Coffs Harbour Advocate 12.10.1964

HENDERSON ARCADE

In 1957 a local firm of builders were called in for consultation in regard to a proposal to erect an arcade in the main shopping centre of Coffs Harbour. At this stage no one had any idea of the far reaching effect this move would have on the future development of the town.

But, to take this story back to its real beginning we have to return to the year 1925, when the newsagency in Coffs Harbour was purchased by Mr. T. B. Henderson.

Over the years Mr. Henderson expanded and developed the business and, in 1939, made a decision to rebuild the premises. However, the outbreak of war forced the postponement of these plans, and in March, 1945, Mr. Henderson died suddenly.

His wife resolved to carry on her late husband's ambition to build a modern shop on the site, and it was during this waiting period that the idea of constructing an arcade was conceived.

It was realised the site was one of the most valuable commercial properties in the town, centrally situated; and to utilise the site to its maximum benefit it was proposed that an arcade to house four businesses be erected

Mrs. Henderson and the present proprietor of the newsagency, Mr. S. A. Stone, called in the local contracting firm of King and Lightfoot, outlined their thoughts on an arcade and a start was made on the preliminary plans.

From the ideas submitted by Mrs. Henderson and Mr. Stone, King and Lightfoot designed and arcade along modern contemporary lines and, in January 1958, submitted their tender to construct the "Henderson Arcade."

This was accepted and in February 1958 work was started on the demolishing of the old newspaper shop which had been a landmark in Coffs Harbour over the years. Mr. Stone transferred this business to temporary premises in Park Avenue whilst the arcade was being built.

Work on the new building proceeded quickly, and as the opening day drew near, people were able to see that Coffs Harbour was certainly getting "something new" in the way of business premises.

At last, in October, 1958 the arcade was completed. It was ultra modern, and comprised four shops, a store room and amenities block, and provided access for stock deliveries from the lane at the rear of the site.

People from all over the district came to look, admire and comment. No estimate could ever be given as to the actual number of people who visited the arcade during the first week of its opening, but it would have run into thousands.

Congratulations were showered on Mrs. Henderson for her enterprise in building the arcade. The move started the rebuilding of other premises in High Street, as property owners became aware that no longer was Coffs Harbour "a small quiet country town."

It seemed to have grown up overnight and the old buildings which had served the needs of the people in the past began to look as they really were - old, out of fashion, and, in many cases, eyesores.

The designers and builders of the Henderson Arcade which was erected at a cost of approximately £20,000, stands as a monument to the confidence its owners have in the future of Coffs Harbour.

The businesses occupying the arcade are: Stone's Newsagency, Simmons Silks, Sydney Creations and Eric Grebert's Photographic Centre.

Further reading:

SATURDAY CLOSING (1947, July 22). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 1

NEW SHOP AND 13 HOUSES FOR COFFS (1948, July 23). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 2